Inner Life, Talks and Thoughts

I very much enjoyed speaking with Jason Whittaker, a profound lover of Blake, because we have our differences about how Blake speaks to us and, I hope, that is illuminating.We discussed Blake the visionary and mystic, and resisting forcing Blake through the sieve of more recent psychology. We thought about how Blake speaks to us now, as a poet and analyst of the modern spirit. We examined the significance of the imagination and the nature of God for Blake.For more on Jasons’s work see - www.jasonwhittaker.co.ukFor more on Awake! and Mark’s work see - www.markvernon.com0:00 Introductions1:36 How Blake speaks to us5:35 Mystic or visionary?7:45 On not psychologising Blake9:40 Reading Blake’s poetry11:54 Blake as a prophet of now15:40 Understanding Blake’s characters19:20 The significance of the imagination in Blake23:12 Blake and God27:03 Why deism matters32:55 Infinite perception37:46 Against the church43:05 Dialogues and the expansion of perception

Why is the mechanical view of reality so strong? Why does billiard-ball atomism remain the default popular metaphysics? William James was horrified by such “nothing buttery” and the way it substituted bare concepts for rich phenomena.A.N. Whitehead famously – or perhaps not famously enough – described the problem as the “fallacy of misplaced concreteness”.William Blake is another critic. “General Knowledge is Remote Knowledge. But General Forms have their vitality in Particulars. It is in Particulars that Wisdom consists & Happiness too.”We should care about what Blake called “single vision and Newton’s sleep”. The antidote is to reestablish a relationship with presence. Poetry and imagery evoke the lived moment of experiencing and the fluid dynamics of that perception. Regain contact with that, regain contact with life.This is the promise of Blake and others.For more on Mark’s book, Awake!, and more of his work see - www.markvernon.com

Dive into the captivating world of William Blake, where his life amidst social upheaval shaped his vivid art and poetry. Discover how his imaginative vision resonates today, urging deeper connections in a time of isolation. Explore how Blake's relationship with Jesus reveals profound insights into creativity and spirituality. Delve into the evolution of language and its ties to mystical experiences, highlighting the transformative power of poetry. Blake’s moralizing and mystical legacies invite a fresh contemplation of human experience and societal issues.

You may agree that the so-called hard problem of consciousness exposes the deep inadequacies of a materialist worldview. But the alternatives - various forms of panpsychism, panentheism and idealism - raise rich and fascinating questions, too. In this episode of The Sheldrake-Vernon Dialogues, Rupert Sheldrake and Mark Vernon explore the leading edge of consciousness research, with Rupert just back from The Science of Consciousness Conference 2025 in Barcelona. They discuss the impact of Indian researchers of consciousness and the proposals of microchip inventor, Federico Faggin. They consider trainings in extra-ocular vision and questions thrown up by the hit podcast series, The Telepathy Tapes. One thing is clear: when the materialist paradigm passes, the science of consciousness will have only just begun.For more on Rupert's work see - https://www.sheldrake.org/For more on Mark's work see - https://www.markvernon.com/

Mark Vernon, a British author and psychotherapist, sheds light on the multifaceted genius of William Blake. He discusses Blake's sharp critiques of modernity and his profound mystical experiences. The conversation explores the transformative power of imagination, connecting it to the realms of science and art. Themes of innocence and wisdom are examined, highlighting their relevance today. Vernon also delves into Blake's revolutionary interpretations of Christianity, emphasizing forgiveness as a path to deeper spirituality.

Join James Harpur, an author and poet exploring mystical experiences, alongside Mark Vernon, who engages with the works of William Blake. They dive into James's transformative mystical experience, described as an 'implosion of light', and how it shaped his book. The duo reflects on historical mystics like St. Columba and Teresa of Avila, discussing the personal transformations rooted in their teachings. They also explore the role of spiritual guidance, the relevance of mysticism today, and the importance of navigating mystical experiences in modern life.

Iain McGilchrist, a renowned psychiatrist and philosopher, joins Mark Vernon to discuss the profound insights of William Blake, whom McGilchrist praises as an exceptionally insightful poet. They dive into Blake's vision of imagination, highlighting quotes like 'To the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.' The conversation explores the tensions of modern life, architecture, and even the implications of AI, advocating for a deeper, collective imagination as a vital force in understanding our existence and nurturing our faith in life's goodness.

In this engaging discussion, historian Chris Harding joins Mark Vernon to explore the visionary world of William Blake. They delve into how Blake’s art reflects a profound, expanded perception of reality—filled with angels and fairies. The conversation touches on Blake's battle against consumerism, his critiques of industrial society, and the significance of spirituality in his works. Vernon urges listeners to embrace Blake's supernatural elements, advocating for a deeper connection with art and our surroundings, ultimately offering a transformative perspective on contemporary life.

Dive into the world of William Blake, a prophetic figure whose insights resonate today. Discover how his call to awaken encourages deep self-connection and divine exploration. The discussion unfolds in the historic St James’s Piccadilly, a fitting backdrop that enhances Blake's enduring message. The transformative power of imagination takes center stage, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journey of awakening.

Dive into the wisdom of William Blake as his top ten quotes are unveiled. Each selection explores profound themes such as perception and joy. Discover how joy and sorrow coexist, woven intricately into the fabric of life. Blake's insights encourage us to see beauty in everyday moments and find the extraordinary within the ordinary. The discussion highlights the transformative power of imagination and love, inviting listeners to embrace the magic and complexity of existence.